NOW® Vitamin D softgels supply this key vitamin in a highly-absorbable liquid softgel form. Vitamin D is normally obtained from the diet or produced by the skin from the ultraviolet energy of the sun. However, it is not abundant in food. As more people avoid sun exposure, Vitamin D supplementation becomes even more necessary to ensure that your body receives.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Supplement Facts

As a dietary supplement, take 1 softgel every 3 days with a meal, or as directed by your health care practitioner.

Warning: Do not exceed the recommended dose. Consult yourhealth care practitioner if you have any kidney disorders,hypercalcemia, are taking any medications, or arepregnant/lactating. Keep out of reach of children.

Manufactured by NOW FOODS395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.Bloomingdale, IL60108 Made in the U.S.A.

Health Notes

Disclaimer:
This scientific independent research is provided by Aisle7 and is for informational use only. GNC provides this information as a service but does not endorse it. Likewise, Aisle7 does not recommend or endorse any specific products.

For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary "Star-Rating" system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn people with muscle pain associated with vitamin D deficiency, supplementing with the vitamin may improve pain.
(more)

Tension Headache

Dose: 1,000 to 1,500 mg per day (plus the same amount of calcium)
In preliminary research, people with chronic tension-type headaches who were also suffering from severe vitamin D deficiency experienced an improvement in their symptoms after supplementing with vitamin D and calcium.
(more)

Fibromyalgia

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn a double-blind study of women with fibromyalgia who had low or moderately low blood levels of vitamin D, supplementing with vitamin D improved pain, compared with a placebo.(more)

Dose: 200 to 600 IU day in cases of extensive burnsPeople with a history of an extensive burn might benefit from vitamin D supplementation, since the skin may not be as effective at manufacturing vitamin D from sunlight.(more)

Migraine Headache

Dose: Refer to label instructionsTaking large amounts of the combination of calcium and vitamin D has been reported to produce a marked reduction in the incidence of migraines in several women.(more)

Dose: 400 to 800 IU daily depending on age, sun exposure, and dietary sources
Vitamin D increases calcium absorption and helps make bones stronger. Vitamin D supplementation has reduced bone loss in women who don’t get enough of the vitamin from food and slowed bone loss in people with osteoporosis and in postmenopausal women. It also works with calcium to prevent some musculoskeletal causes of falls and subsequent fractures.(more)

Dose: 800 IU per day for two years; then 2,000 IU per day after that
In one study, long-term vitamin D supplementation for three years significantly reduced flu and cold symptoms.
(more)

Common Cold and Sore Throat

Dose: 300 IU per day for three months in winterResearch suggests that supplementing with vitamin D may prevent upper respiratory tract infections in people who are deficient in the vitamin, but not in those who have normal vitamin D status.(more)

Lupus

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn a double-blind trial, people who took vitamin D daily experienced a decrease in disease activity and flare-ups.(more)

Dose: 1,200 IU per day for 15 to 17 weeks
A study of Japanese children found that daily supplementation with vitamin D during the winter months significantly reduced the amount of times the children developed the flu.
(more)

Dose: 1,000 to 1,200 IU daily under medical supervision
Vitamin D malabsorption is common in Crohn's and can lead to a deficiency of the vitamin. Supplementation can help prevent bone loss in cases of deficiency.(more)

Celiac Disease

Dose: Consult a qualified healthcare practitionerMalabsorption-induced vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone weakening in people with celiac disease. Supplementing with vitamin D may help increase bone density.
(more)

Dose: 200 to 600 IU day in cases of extensive burnsPeople with a history of an extensive burn might benefit from vitamin D supplementation, since the skin may not be as effective at manufacturing vitamin D from sunlight.(more)

Eczema

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn a preliminary trial, eczema significantly improved in people who had very low blood levels of vitamin D after supplementing with vitamin D.(more)

Vitiligo

Dose: Refer to label instructionsWhen used in combination with sun exposure, a form of vitamin D called calcipotriol may be effective in stimulating repigmentation in children with vitiligo.(more)

Dose: 1,200 IU per day for 15 to 17 weeks
A study of Japanese children found that daily supplementation with vitamin D during the winter months significantly reduced the amount of times the children experienced asthma attacks.
(more)

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn a double-blind trial, women with dysmenorrhea received a placebo or a single administration of a large amount of vitamin D, which appeared to significantly diminish menstrual pain. This should only be done under doctor supervision.
(more)

Breast Cancer

Dose: Refer to label instructionsVitamin D from supplements and from exposure to the sun both appear to protect against breast cancer.(more)

Amenorrhea and Osteoporosis

Dose: Refer to label instructionsDespite the lack of evidence that calcium and vitamin D supplements alone are helpful to amenorrheic women, they are still generally recommended to prevent the added burden of calcium and vitamin D deficiency from further contributing to bone loss.(more)

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn a double-blind trial, women with dysmenorrhea received a placebo or a single administration of a large amount of vitamin D, which appeared to significantly diminish menstrual pain. This should only be done under doctor supervision.
(more)

Amenorrhea and Osteoporosis

Dose: Refer to label instructionsDespite the lack of evidence that calcium and vitamin D supplements alone are helpful to amenorrheic women, they are still generally recommended to prevent the added burden of calcium and vitamin D deficiency from further contributing to bone loss.(more)

Dose: Refer to label instructionsSome studies have found that vitamin D levels are lower in people with back pain than in healthy people.1, 2 In patients with muscle pain associated with vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation has resulted in improvement in the pain.3

Dose: 1,000 to 1,500 mg per day (plus the same amount of calcium)
In a preliminary trial, eight patients had chronic tension-type headache in association with severe vitamin D deficiency. In each case, the headaches resolved after treatment with vitamin D3 (1,000 to 1,500 IU per day) and calcium (1,000 to 1,500 mg per day).1

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn a double-blind study of women with fibromyalgia who had low or moderately low blood levels of vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D), supplementing with vitamin D for 24 weeks improved pain, compared with a placebo. The amount of vitamin D used was 1,200 to 2,400 IU per day, depending on the blood level of vitamin D. The amount given was adjusted during the study, to maintain blood levels of vitamin D between 32 ng/ml and 48 ng/ml.1

Burns affecting a large proportion of the body may result in vitamin D deficiency1, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis, which is a frequent long-term consequence of severe burns.2 Vitamin D deficiency may result from the inability of previously burned skin to manufacture vitamin D after exposure to sunlight. People with a history of an extensive burn might benefit from vitamin D supplementation.

Taking large amounts of the combination of calcium (1,000 to 2,000 mg per day) and vitamin D has been reported to produce a marked reduction in the incidence of migraines in several women.1, 2 However, the amount of vitamin D given to these women (usually 50,000 IU once a week), can cause adverse reactions, particularly when used in combination with calcium. This amount of vitamin D should be used only under medical supervision. Doctors often recommend that people take 800 to 1,200 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D per day. However, it is not known whether theses amounts would have an effect on migraines.

Vitamin D increases calcium absorption, and blood levels of vitamin D are directly related to the strength of bones.1 Mild deficiency of vitamin D is common in the fit, active elderly population and leads to an acceleration of age-related loss of bone mass and an increased risk of fracture.2 In double-blind research, vitamin D supplementation has reduced bone loss in women who consume insufficient vitamin D from food and slowed bone loss in people with osteoporosis3, 4 and in postmenopausal women.5 However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on osteoporosis risk remains surprisingly unclear,6, 7 with some trials reporting little if any benefit.8 Moreover, trials reporting reduced risk of fracture have usually combined vitamin D with calcium supplementation,9 making it difficult to assess how much benefit is caused by supplementation with vitamin D alone.10

Impaired balance and increased body sway are important causes of falls in elderly people with osteoporosis.11 Vitamin D works with calcium to prevent some musculoskeletal causes of falls.12 In a double-blind trial, elderly women who were given 800 IU per day of vitamin D and 1,200 mg per day of calcium had a significantly lower rate of falls and subsequent fractures than did women given the same amount of calcium alone.13 Vitamin D in the amount of 800 IU per day effectively prevented falls in a double-blind study of elderly nursing home residents, but lower amounts were ineffective.14

Despite inconsistency in the research, many doctors recommend 400 to 800 IU per day of supplemental vitamin D, depending upon dietary intake and exposure to sunlight.

In a double-blind study, African Americans who received vitamin D supplements for three years had significantly fewer symptoms of influenza or colds, when compared with women who received a placebo. The amount of vitamin D was 800 IU per day for the first two years, followed by 2,000 IU per day for one year.1

Dose: 300 IU per day for three months in winterIn a double-blind trial, supplementation with 300 IU per day of vitamin D for three months during the winter decreased the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections in Mongolian children with vitamin D deficiency.1 However, in a double-blind study of healthy adults in New Zealand, vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the incidence or severity of upper respiratory tract infections. The participants in that trial had either normal vitamin D levels or mild vitamin D deficiency (depending on which definition of vitamin D deficiency is used).2 These results suggest that vitamin D supplementation can prevent upper respiratory tract infections in people who are deficient in the vitamin, but not in those who have normal vitamin D status.

Dose: Refer to label instructionsPeople with SLE frequently have low blood levels of vitamin D (measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D). In a double-blind trial, supplementing with 2,000 IU per day of vitamin D for 12 months significantly decreased disease activity by an average of 37%, compared with a placebo. In addition, the proportion of patients who experienced a disease flare during the study was significantly lower in the vitamin D group than in the placebo group (10% vs. 24%).1 A few patients taking vitamin D developed elevated levels of calcium in the blood or urine. Therefore, SLE patients interested in taking vitamin D supplements should be monitored by a doctor.

Dose: 1,200 IU per day for 15 to 17 weeks
In a double-blind study of Japanese children (average age, ten years), supplementation with 1,200 IU per day of vitamin D for 15 to 17 weeks during the winter significantly reduced the incidence of influenza infections by 42%, compared with a placebo.1

Dose: 800 to 2,000 IU dailyIn a double-blind trial, women with low blood levels of vitamin D (measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3) were given a calcium supplement, plus either 800 IU of vitamin D per day or a placebo for eight weeks. Compared with the placebo, vitamin D significantly reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 9.3%, but did not affect diastolic blood pressure.1In another double-blind trial, vitamin D supplementation (1,000, 2,000, or 4,000 IU per day) for 3 months produced a modest but statistically significant decrease in systolic but not diastolic blood pressure in African Americans who had low blood levels of vitamin D. The reduction in blood pressure was greater with higher amounts of vitamin D intake.2

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn one study, the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was significantly higher in patients with CHF than in patients without CHF (28% vs. 22%). In that study, heart failure patients who received vitamin D supplementation (usually 800 to 1,000 IU per day) had a 32% lower death rate, compared with heart failure patients who did not receive vitamin D supplementation.1 In a double-blind study of elderly people who had suffered a fracture, supplementing with 800 IU per day of vitamin D for 2 to 5 years significantly decreased the incidence of CHF by 25%, compared with a placebo.2

One case of long-standing sick-sinus syndrome (another type of arrhythmia) was reported to resolve upon supplementation with 800 IU per day of vitamin D prescribed for an unrelated condition. However, it was not clear from that report whether the improvement was due to the vitamin D.1 More research is needed.

Dose: 1,332 IU dailyVitamin D is needed to maintain adequate blood levels of insulin.1 Vitamin D receptors have been found in the pancreas where insulin is made. Some,2, 3, 4 but not all,5, 6 preliminary trials have found that supplementation can improve some measures of blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. In addition, in a preliminary trial supplementation with about 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day for three months significantly improved pain by almost 50% in patients with diabetic neuropathy.7 Not enough is known about optimal amounts of vitamin D for people with diabetes, and high amounts of vitamin D can be toxic; therefore, people with diabetes considering vitamin D supplementation should talk with a doctor and have their vitamin D status assessed.

Dose: Consult a qualified healthcare practitionerVitamin D is needed to maintain adequate blood levels of insulin.1 Vitamin D receptors have been found in the pancreas where insulin is made and some, but not all preliminary evidence suggests that supplementation might reduce the risk of developing type 1 diabetes.2, 3 Vitamin D supplementation may also slow the decline of pancreatic function in people with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes who have not yet suffered an extensive loss of pancreatic function.4 Not enough is known about optimal amounts of vitamin D for people with diabetes, and high amounts of vitamin D can be toxic. Therefore, people with diabetes considering vitamin D supplementation should talk with a doctor and have their vitamin D status assessed.

Dose: 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day for three monthsA preliminary trial supplementation with about 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day for 3 months significantly improved pain by almost 50% in patients with diabetic neuropathy.1

Dose: Refer to label instructionsSome studies have found that vitamin D levels are lower in people with back pain than in healthy people.1, 2 In patients with muscle pain associated with vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation has resulted in improvement in the pain.3

Vitamin D malabsorption is common in Crohn's1 and can lead to a deficiency of the vitamin.2 Successful treatment with vitamin D for osteomalacia (bone brittleness caused by vitamin D deficiency) triggered by Crohn's disease has been reported.3 Another study found 1,000 IU per day of vitamin D prevented bone loss in people with Crohn's, while an unsupplemented group experienced significant bone loss.4 In addition, in a double-blind trial, vitamin D supplementation (1,200 IU per day for 12 months) prevented relapses in patients with Crohn's disease in remission. The patients in that study had normal vitamin D status prior to receiving vitamin D supplementation.5 In a preliminary study of patients with mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease, vitamin D supplementation for 24 weeks was associated with an improvement in disease activity. The amount used in that study was 1,000 to 5,000 IU per day, based on blood levels of the vitamin.6 A doctor should be consulted to determine the right level of vitamin D for supplementation.

The malabsorption that occurs in celiac disease can lead to multiple nutritional deficiencies. The most common nutritional problems in people with celiac disease include deficiencies of essential fatty acids, iron, vitamin D, vitamin K, calcium, magnesium, and folic acid.1Zinc malabsorption also occurs frequently in celiac disease2 and may result in zinc deficiency, even in people who are otherwise in remission.3 People with newly diagnosed celiac disease should be assessed for nutritional deficiencies by a doctor. Celiac patients who have not yet completely recovered should supplement with a high-potency multivitamin-mineral. Some patients may require even higher amounts of some of these vitamins and minerals-an issue that should be discussed with their healthcare practitioner. Evidence of a nutrient deficiency in a celiac patient is a clear indication for supplementation with that nutrient.

After commencement of a gluten-free diet, overall nutritional status gradually improves. However, deficiencies of some nutrients may persist, even in people who are strictly avoiding gluten. For example, magnesium deficiency was found in 8 of 23 adults with celiac disease who had been following a gluten-free diet and were symptom-free. When these adults were supplemented with magnesium for two years, their bone mineral density increased significantly.4

Malabsorption-induced depletion of vitamin D can lead to osteomalacia (defective bone mineralization) in people with celiac disease.5 Although supplementation with vitamin D appears to increase bone density, the excess risk of bone fracture may not be entirely eliminated.

Burns affecting a large proportion of the body may result in vitamin D deficiency1, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis, which is a frequent long-term consequence of severe burns.2 Vitamin D deficiency may result from the inability of previously burned skin to manufacture vitamin D after exposure to sunlight. People with a history of an extensive burn might benefit from vitamin D supplementation.

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn a preliminary trial, adults with eczema who had very low blood levels of vitamin D (measured as 25-hydroxyvitamin D) had a significant improvement in their eczema after supplementing with 2,000 IU of vitamin D per day for three months.1 However, in a double-blind trial, supplementation with 4,000 IU per day of vitamin D for 3 weeks was not beneficial for adults with eczema. In that trial, blood levels of vitamin D were normal or slightly low prior to treatment.2

When used topically in combination with sun exposure, a pharmaceutical form of vitamin D, called calcipotriol, may be effective in stimulating repigmentation in children with vitiligo. In a preliminary study, children applied a cream containing calcipotriol daily and exposed themselves to sunlight for 10-15 minutes the following morning.1 After 11 months, marked to complete repigmentation occurred in 55% of the children, moderate repigmentation occurred in 22%, and little or no improvement was seen in 22%. None of the children developed new areas of vitiligo. The first evidence of repigmentation occurred within 6 to 12 weeks in the majority of the children. All participants tolerated the cream well, with approximately 17% complaining of mild, transient skin irritation. Calcipotriol is a prescription medication to be used only under the supervision of a doctor. It is not known whether vitamin D as a dietary supplement has any effect on vitiligo.

Dose: 1,200 IU per day for 15 to 17 weeks
In a double-blind study of Japanese children (average age, ten years), supplementation with 1,200 IU per day of vitamin D for 15 to 17 weeks during the winter significantly reduced the incidence of asthma attacks compared with a placebo.1 In another double-blind trial, however, vitamin D supplementation (100,000 IU one time, followed by 4,000 IU per day for 28 weeks) was of no benefit for adults with asthma.2

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn a double-blind trial, women with dysmenorrhea received a placebo or a single administration of a large amount of vitamin D (300,000), five days before the expected onset of the next menstrual period. During the next two menstrual periods, menstrual pain was significantly lower in the vitamin D group than in the placebo group.1 Such a large amount of vitamin D should be given only under the supervision of a doctor. Further research is needed to determine whether daily supplementation of a smaller amount (such as 800 to 2,000 IU per day) would have a similar beneficial effect.

Breast cancer rates have been reported to be relatively high in areas of low exposure to sunlight.1 Sunlight triggers the formation of vitamin D in the skin, which can be activated in the liver and kidneys into a hormone with great activity. This activated form of vitamin D causes "cellular differentiation"-essentially the opposite of cancer.

The following evidence indicates that vitamin D might have a protective role against breast cancer:

Synthetic vitamin D-like molecules have prevented the equivalent of breast cancer in animals.2

Activated vitamin D appears to have antiestrogenic activity.3

Both sunlight and dietary exposure to vitamin D have correlated with a reduced risk of breast cancer.4, 5

Activated vitamin D comes in several forms. One of them-1,25 dihydroxycholecalciferol-is an exact duplicate of the hormone made in the human body.

The following preliminary, non-clinical evidence supports the idea that activated vitamin D may be of help to some breast cancer patients:

In combination with tamoxifen, a synthetic, activated-vitamin D-like molecule has inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells in test tube research.6

In a preliminary trial, activated vitamin D was applied topically to the breast, once per day for six weeks, in 19 patients with breast cancer.10 Of the 14 patients who completed the trial, three showed a large reduction in tumor size, and one showed a minor improvement. Those who responded had tumors that contained receptors for activated vitamin D. However, other preliminary reports have not found that high levels of these receptors consistently correlate with a better outcome.11, 12, 13

With a doctor's prescription, compounding pharmacists can put activated vitamin D, a hormone, into a topical ointment. Due to potential toxicity, use of this hormone, even topically, requires careful monitoring by a physician. Standard vitamin D supplements are unlikely to duplicate the effects of activated vitamin D in women with breast cancer. The patients in the breast cancer trial all had locally advanced disease.

A preliminary trial showed that bone loss occurred over a one-year period in amenorrheic exercising women despite daily supplementation with 1,200 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D.1 In a controlled study of amenorrheic nursing women, who ordinarily experience brief bone loss that reverses when menstruation returns, bone loss was not prevented by a multivitamin supplement providing 400 IU of vitamin D along with 500 mg twice daily of calcium or placebo.2 Despite the lack of evidence that calcium and vitamin D supplements alone are helpful to amenorrheic women, they are still generally recommended to prevent the added burden of calcium and vitamin D deficiency from further contributing to bone loss.3 Amounts typically recommended are 1,200 to 1,500 mg calcium and 400 to 800 IU vitamin D daily.

Dose: Refer to label instructionsIn a double-blind trial, women with dysmenorrhea received a placebo or a single administration of a large amount of vitamin D (300,000), five days before the expected onset of the next menstrual period. During the next two menstrual periods, menstrual pain was significantly lower in the vitamin D group than in the placebo group.1 Such a large amount of vitamin D should be given only under the supervision of a doctor. Further research is needed to determine whether daily supplementation of a smaller amount (such as 800 to 2,000 IU per day) would have a similar beneficial effect.

A preliminary trial showed that bone loss occurred over a one-year period in amenorrheic exercising women despite daily supplementation with 1,200 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D.1 In a controlled study of amenorrheic nursing women, who ordinarily experience brief bone loss that reverses when menstruation returns, bone loss was not prevented by a multivitamin supplement providing 400 IU of vitamin D along with 500 mg twice daily of calcium or placebo.2 Despite the lack of evidence that calcium and vitamin D supplements alone are helpful to amenorrheic women, they are still generally recommended to prevent the added burden of calcium and vitamin D deficiency from further contributing to bone loss.3 Amounts typically recommended are 1,200 to 1,500 mg calcium and 400 to 800 IU vitamin D daily.

Dose: Refer to label instructionsVitamin D may be important for normal muscle function, including muscles that help control urinary continence.1, 2 Higher blood levels of vitamin D are associated with lower risk of urinary incontinence in women, according to one preliminary study.3 Controlled trials are needed to determine whether vitamin D supplements can help prevent or treat urinary incontinence.

Dose: 2,000 IU dailyWhere sun exposure is low, the rate of prostate cancer has been reported to be high.1, 2 In the body, vitamin D is changed into a hormone with great activity. This activated vitamin D causes "cellular differentiation"-essentially the opposite of cancer.

The fat-soluble vitamin D's most important role is maintaining blood levels of calcium, which it accomplishes by increasing absorption of calcium from food and reducing urinary calcium loss. Both effects keep calcium in the body and therefore spare the calcium that is stored in bones. When necessary, vitamin D transfers calcium from the bone into the bloodstream, which does not benefit bones. Although the overall effect of vitamin D on the bones is complicated, some vitamin D is necessary for healthy bones and teeth.

When "D" is used without a subscript it refers to either D2 or D3, the two primary forms used as supplements.

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2016.

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